Port Vale: There's nothing sub-standard about my team, says Adams

MICKY ADAMS highlighted the strength in depth of his squad as a key factor in the 5-0 thrashing of Stockport that helped push Vale back to the summit of League Two, writes Jon Owen.

Top striker Marc Richards, defensive kingpin John McCombe and goalscoring midfielder Sean Rigg made way for subs Jake Speight, Ritchie Sutton and Louis Dodds once victory had been assured on Tuesday.

That left current player-of-the-season Anthony Griffith, club captain Tommy Fraser, winger Lewis Haldane and reserve goalkeeper Chris Martin waiting in vain on the bench for a run-out.

"We've got some terrific players on the bench who can come on and change games," said the Vale boss.

"The squad is small, but we do have options. It's a nice headache to have.

"We have said all along it's not about certain individuals. This season has been about a team effort so far and we need to make sure that continues.

"We would have made six substitutions on Tuesday if we'd been able to."

He added: "We've got another tough game tomorrow night in the FA Cup against Accrington, our third game this week.

"We took Marc off as he felt a tweak in his leg when he hit the penalty. John is a big unit, so we decided to give him a rest midway through the half, and it was another chance for Ritchie to impress."

Striker Justin Richards notched his first league goal in 14 games during Tuesday's blitz and Adams added: "Hopefully that goal will give him the confidence that he can go on another scoring run like he did at the start of the season.

"We decided to keep him on and we're glad we did because he was rewarded with a goal.

"He's also claiming he got the final touch to Sean Rigg's first goal, so we'll have to have a look at the DVD."

BRADFORD have allowed striker Jake Speight to stay with Vale for a second month.